JLA Makes Environmental StridesBy Tillery Gill

During the 2008–2009 League year, The Junior League of Aus-tin (JLA) created a new committee dedicated to making the JLA more environmentally friendly. League member Lisa Al-verson had long been personally recycling for the JLA. Lisa’s efforts were an inspiration to many in League leadership and were the impetus for forming an official committee to address ways for the League to recycle, reuse and reduce waste in both an efficient and convenient manner. With the help of then JLA president Melissa Morrow, the League formed the Environ-mental Quality Committee with Lisa Alverson as its first chair. The momentum that started this new committee continues this League year under the support and enthusiasm of current JLA President Kathi Haralson, current Environmental Quality Committee chair Nancy Nesbitt and current Environmental Quality Committee assistant Shawna DeShazo.

Still new, the EQ Committee spent much of this year defining goals and developing strategies to implement those goals. As its first major project, the EQ Committee tasked itself with processing and tracking all recycling for the JLA. This initially required the two EQ committee members load all of the JLA’s recycling in their cars and haul it to a recycling site. Luckily for its members, the EQ Commit-tee soon designed a more efficient process for recycling at JLA Headquarters. The EQ Committee purchased new recycling bins for JLA Headquarters and acquired a recycling dumpster for the Parkcrest Shopping Center. According to Nancy Nesbitt, “the dumpster has really streamlined our recycling process, and allowed us to offer recycling services to our tenants at Parkcrest. We are working on getting the word out to the members and to educate the membership about that process while hopefully inspiring members to pick up a few green habits in their own homes and offices.”

To help facilitate the goals of the EQ Committee, following is the official JLA Recycling Process:Please help JLA think green! There are four recycling bins located in the auditorium: two for paper only and two for plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Please use these if you have small amounts of recyclables. There is also a box in the copy room for office paper recycling. If you have large amounts of cardboard, paper, plastic bottles or cans that will not fit in the indoor bins, please use our shiny new recycling dumpster in the parking lot. It’s easy! Just get the key from the office, unlock the Balcones Resources recycling dumpster next to the trash dumpster and place your recyclables inside. Then, lock the dumpster and return the key. The recycling dumpster is for paper, cardboard, plastic and aluminum. Boxes must be broken down and bottles and cans should be bagged. Do not place glass in the dumpster. If you have glass that needs to be recycled, or have questions about the recycling process, please contact Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Nesbitt at ncnesbitt@yahoo.com. Since the new recycling bin arrived in September, the shopping center has kept almost two tons of refuge out of the landfill by recycling!

Efforts of the EQ Committee extend beyond the recycling bins. Thanks to sugges-tions by the EQ Committee and Lisa Alverson, JLA is opting in its general meetings to serve food with the League’s china and silverware rather than using paper plates and plastic utensils. The EQ Committee and Lisa Alverson also encourage and facilitate recycling and green thinking in all League committees, including the LeagueLines Committee. With the help of the EQ Committee, LeagueLines now runs “Green Hab-its” in each issue and is foregoing paper use with the first email-only issue.

To learn more about the EQ Committee or to provide suggestions for ways in which the JLA may become more environmentally friendly, please email Nancy Nesbitt at ncnesbitt@yahoo.com.

LeagueLines March/April 2010The Newsletter of The Junior League of Austin

JLA EQ Committee assistant Shawna DeShazo completes her recycling run at League Headquarters where she collects paper, cans, glass and ink/toner cartridges every week.

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LeagueLinesPublished five times a year by The Junior League of Austin

Erin Johnston, Editor

Sarah Miller, Copy Editor

Heather Gossard, Photography Editor

Kristen Indriago, Literary Editor

Kinnison Bryan, Design Editor

Writers: Krystin Johnson, Mandy Niles,

Julie Shields, Tillery Stout

Graphic Designers: Kelsey Friedman, Julie Payne,

Diane Rodriquez, Marcia Sawan

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2009-2010

Kathi HaralsonPresident

Sandy Segura Alcalá President-Elect

Jené BearseTreasurer

Erika HerndonRecording Secretary

Alicia RussellCommunity Vice President

Beth AthertonSustaining President

Julie Monday Ballard

Amber Brabham

Kelly Breeden

Dawn Breyfogle

Abigail Bird Donovan

Beth Ann Dranguet

Holly Mace Massingill

Gregory Noack

Stacey Thompson

Casie Wenmohs

Kristin Weatherspoon Wilson

ACA Chair Cathy Northcutt

ACA Chair-Elect Trish Koester

ACA Decorations Co-Chairs Kathy Erben

ACA Decorations Co-Chairs Kris Calder

ACA Merchant Co-Chairs Casey Humphrey

ACA Merchant Co-Chairs Kari Rouse

Arrangements Chair LoRee Farley

Capitalines Chair Bergan Casey

Capitalines Chair-Elect Gina Berryhill

CFK Chair Tria Brindley

CFK Chair-Elect Amber Brabham

Community Funds Chair Renee Harvey

Cookbook Chair Anne Prentice

Cookbook Chair-Elect Holly Priestner

Donor Development and Stewardship Chair Benita Trevino

Donor Development and Stewardship Chair-Elect Donna Baldwin

FIT Chair Julie Ballard

FIT Chair-Elect Kimberly Richards

Focus Area Chairs Kathryn McDaniel

Focus Area Chairs Kirsten Moody

Grants Chair Hannah Nokes

Grants Chair-Elect Melanie Green

Headquarters Chair Gina Faist

In-League Events Chair Tina McCutchin

LeagueLines Editor Catherine Mattingly

Placement Chair Laurel Sockwell

Placement Chair-Elect Sarah Valenzuela

Provisional Chair Kristin Wilson

PR Chair Michele Malooly

PR Chair-Elect Roxanne Wilson

Researchers Chair Dori Flores

Training and Education Chair LaShonda Kennedy

2010

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President Sandy Alcalá

President-Elect Morgen Hardin

Administrative VP Becky Bray

Community VP Cathy McHorse

Financial Development VP Catherine Bird

Communications VP Holly Mace Massingill

Membership Development VP Erika Herndon

Recording Secretary Loretta Holland

Technology Chair Rosemary Wynn

Treasurer Casie Wenmohs

Treasurer-Elect Gregory Noack

Advisory Strategic Planning Chair Jacquelyn Noack

Bylaws Parliamentarian Nicole Elliot

Nominating Chair Kelly Breeden

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Your Impact on Our Community

This month many of you have a big decision to make that will impact not only yourself but the lives of so many living right here in our community. The commu-nity placement portfolio goes live March 22, 2010 on The Junior League of Austin website giving you a chance to select volunteer opportunities that match your skill set or allow you to try something new.

But before you make up your mind, I urge you to mix and mingle with some of our wonderful community partners at one of this year’s Placement Fairs. In an effort to make it easier for you to attend a Placement Fair, increase participation, and give our agencies more community exposure at the same time, we are mov-ing this year’s Placement Fair to The Domain and to Barton Creek Square Mall. So, instead of just having one opportunity to learn about our community partners and what they do, you now have two chances. We want this to be a fun and flex-ible opportunity for you to learn about the approximately 25 agencies League volunteers will commit their time and money to in 2010-11. Whether you choose to spend 15 minutes reviewing your choices or three hours asking questions, it’s really up to you and what your schedule permits!

For Provisionals, attending one of this year’s Placement Fairs is mandatory, but I also strongly encourage Actives to attend as well. The Placement Fairs take the place of the April General Meeting. Actives will receive a general meet-ing credit for attending and Provisionals will receive a general meeting credt or a provisional credit.

I hope to see you there!

Kathi

March 2, 2010General Meeting & Movie

7:00 p.m.JLA Auditorium

March 30, 2010Board Meeting

7:00 p.m.JLA Auditorium

April 8, 2010 JLA Community Placement Fair

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.The Domain

Domain Plaza

April 9, 2010JLA Community Placement Fair

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Barton Creek Square Mall

Inside the Mall, Downstairs in front of Nordstrom

April 15-17, 2010AJLI ConferenceOrlando, Florida

April 27, 2010Joint Board Meeting

7:00 p.m.JLA Auditorium

Mark Your Calendar

There will be NO APRIL GENERAL MEETING.Meeting credit is awarded for attending one of the Placement Fairs!

Did You Know?From September to Decem-ber 2009, The Junior League of Austin and the Parkcrest Shopping Center tenants

recycled 2.75 tons of paper, plastic and aluminum!

We helped save the equivilent of:

48 trees19,250 gallons of water

1,045 gallons of oilPower for a home for 2 years

245 cubic feet of landfill space

WELCOME NEW TRANSFERS ACTIVES

Amanda Alter – New York, NYCassie Bale – San Antonio, TX

Stefanie Bertram – Phoenix, AZMelissa Bluntzer – Dallas, TX

Andrea Caldwell – New Orleans, LATerri Broussard – Lafayette, LA

Elizabeth Davis – San Diego, CAElizabeth Hadley – Jackson, MS

Patricia Hunt – Winston-Salem, NCAmanda Johnson – New York, NYCandace Kimbrough – Atlanta, GA

Laura Lambert – Houston, TXJohanna Peyton – Mid-Peninsula, CA

Stephanie Potter – McAllen, TXCharmine Ravanpay – Winston-Salem, NC

Jessica Saab – Seattle, WACourtney van Biene – San Diego, CA

PROVISIONALSApril Robinson – Sacramento, CA

SUSTAINERSKristen Fairey – Stamford-Norwalk, CT

Hallie Lowe – Richmond, VA

REINSTATEMENTS ACTIVES

Susie Gravette

Melissa JacksonRita Kreisle

Family of Cathy McElroyMariBen Ramsey and

Karen KahanRenee Snyder

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JLA NOTES

SMALL MIRACLESCongratulations on the arrival of your little one

Tara Akins – daughter, Vivienne RuthTaylor Thomas Fry – daughter, Vivienne Reeves

Jennifer Goldman – son, Charles JacobLesley Anne Maddox – daughter, Sarah Anne Sarah Tankersley Miller - son, Woods Wesley

Suzanne Tankersley Perez - twins, Finley Grace and Zane Elliott

Alisa Cohen Victoria – son, Max Henry

THINKING OF YOUMargaret Cowden

Dawn DentonAmy Dolce

Family of Lynn BrillAnn Butler

Dana DutschmannBeth Granger

Kathi HaralsonCasey Humphrey

TRANSFERS OUT Thank you for your dedicated service to The Junior

League of Austin and our community!

ACTIVES Mireya Brogan – Chicago, ILMichelle Carter – Chicago, IL

Lauren Caverlee – Washington, DCNoelle Coker – Los Angeles, CA

Suzanne Coker – Los Angeles, CAKelli Richardson Lawson – Baltimore, MD

Kimberly Lummus – Orlando, FLDana Sipes – Nashville, TN

Louise Ward Meyer – Washington, DC

PROVISIONALSSarah O’Callaghan – Jackson, MS

SUSTAINERSCamille Yale – San Angelo, TX

Email birth and marriage announce-

ments, condolences and notices about

illness of members or their immediate

family to Diana Coston, JLA Office Data-

base Manager, at dcoston@jlaustin.org.

CONDOLENCES May the memory of your loved ones support you forever

JLA Stars Go Above and Beyond

The Mobile Loaves & Fishes team went above and beyond dur-ing the holidays. In addition to their assigned placements, the ladies prepared and delivered more than 30 meals and desserts to some very happy and grateful residents of the Mobile Loaves & Fishes Habitat on Wheels community. Some League member’s children even went along and did caroling! In addition, this out-standing team of volunteers has been regularly collecting and distributing socks to their homeless clientele that they collect during shifts and at happy hours. Great work!

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WEDDING

Elinore Tecson and Patrick B. Coate were married on December 19, 2009

Mobile Loaves & Fishes volunteers Gina Budd, Chantel Floyd and Kelly Nassour load sandwiches and other food on a catering truck that will deliver to those in need.

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JLA NOTES Expanding Our Reach: Training New Community Leaders

By Tillery Gill

Last year, the Researchers Committee encountered a new and exciting community placement opportunity. Unlike so many of The Junior League of Austin’s community placements that directly benefit children, or those in the community who are less fortunate, this prospective community placement assisted a non-profit with its mission to train community leaders. The Researchers Committee felt supporting a group that trains community leaders who then in turn provide services in all areas of the Austin community was a great addition to the com-munity placement portfolio. The Researchers Committee also liked how the community placement simultaneously provided a great training opportunity for JLA volunteers and helped serve the community. JLA leadership agreed and the community leaders training non-profit, Leadership Austin, was selected as a new community placement for the 2009-2010 League year.

Leadership Austin is dedicated to developing and creating community leaders from all walks of life and has followed this mission for the past thirty years. Through the Leader-ship Austin community placement, JLA volunteers plan, execute and follow-up on two of Leadership Austin’s many programs – the Experience Austin program and the month-ly Engage speaker series.

The Leadership Austin website describes the Experience Austin program as “an informative, interactive orienta-tion to the city that introduces participants to Austin´s issues, icons and institutions, and the people actively involved in creating solutions”. The program includes tours of and introductions to leaders in Austin’s local government, economic, education, healthcare, and arts and entertainment communities. Meredith Brewer and Paige Cristiani are the two JLA volunteers supporting the Experience Austin program this League year.

The Leadership Austin website credits the Engage speaker series with cultivating “in-depth discussion of im-portant, timely, and often complex regional issues. High profile leaders and key stakeholders present various viewpoints and interact with participants in thought provoking, balanced dialogues to encourage further civic involvement.” Ashley Underwood and Liz Simmons are the two JLA volunteers supporting the Engage speaker

series this League year.

Four additional JLA volunteers are assisting Leadership Austin this League year. These volunteers are helping Lead-ership Austin create an interactive leadership project by documenting the biographies of Leadership Austin gradu-ates, chronicling the good works and accomplishments of the graduates, taking photos at Leadership Austin events, and using social networking programs to promote Leader-ship Austin events. Liz Blackman and Erin Allcutt assist with the general needs of the project, Tiffiny Britton fills the role of social media coordinator and Stephanie Hunter is the photographer for the project.

For more information about Leadership Austin, visit their website at www.leadershipaustin.org. The En-gage speaker series is open to the public. The other programs are by application.

Participants in the Leadership Austin fastforward Issues Forum (l to r:) Mike Meroney, Debbie Johnson, Heather McKissick (Leadership Austin President/CEO), Sherine Thomas and Judge Eric Sheppard (Chair, Leadership Austin Board of Directors).

Chris Kirksey and Michele Van Hyfte, alumni of Leadership Austin’s 2007 Essential Class.

The JLA is One Step Closer to a New Home:Northwest Hills Property has Endless Possibilities

By Julie Shields

After an exhaustive search of more than 25 properties, The Junior League of Austin (JLA) may have found a new home for its Headquarters. Nestled in the hills of Northwest Austin, JLA President Kathi Haralson and President-Elect Sandy Alcalá brokered the $1.59 million deal with the help of Southwest Strategies on 10.2 acres located at 5334 Bluffstone Lane. “We saw a lot of property over the last six months that was too expensive, too costly to fix-up, and property that didn’t have the parking our members needed,” said Haralson. “I believe my part in this search was to find a property that allowed the League to dream big, and didn’t limit future growth.”

“It is a corner lot with great visibility and is large enough for the League to accommodate all of our space needs as a growing organization,” said Alcalá. “With over ten acres, The Junior League of Austin would have the opportunity to both preserve the beauty of this property as well as build a new Headquarters for future generations of League members.”

The property is currently in escrow for a 120-day period ending April 16, 2010 in which the League can change its mind. “It looks like a win-win situation for the League, it is partially in the flood plain, and we’d like to thoroughly investigate it to make sure it meets our facility and parking needs,” said Haralson. “If this property is not the right investment, the deal is off, and the JLA only loses one hundred dollars.”

Alcalá said the League is committed to researching the property and making sure that financially this is the right decision. “Our first set of ‘blueprints’ will need to be a fundraising plan that League members can feel confident about and will not jeopardize the financial stability of our organization.”

The League is currently squeezed in to 11,000 square feet of space at its Parkcrest location. Once built, a new Headquarters could range anywhere from 25,000 – 30,000 square feet allowing the League to add possible meeting space for non-profits, lease space to tenants, or add a ballroom for non-profit galas and JLA meetings.

As for the Parkcrest location and its tenants, it’s too soon to tell. “With the economy the way it is, we don’t want to make any rash decisions,” said Haralson. The League could keep Parkcrest and rent out the part we now occupy, or sell Parkcrest. A Special Projects Committee will be in charge of vetting these proposals over the course of the next year.

Community Placement Portfolio Online March 22nd

Your Researchers Committee has been hard at work researching possible agency partners and will bring the proposed slate of Community Projects to you at the March General Meeting where you will have a chance to vote on the proposed projects. Then on March 22, when the Community Portfolio opens, you will vote again by signing up for the projects that were selected at the General Meeting.

The Community Placement Portfolio of The Junior League of Austin is for current ACTIVES 2009-2010 not placed In-League and 2009-2010 Provisionals. Provisionals are required to meet with a Placement Advisor before signing up for your placement choices. The Placement Team will be in touch with the Provisionals to schedule appointments.

To access the Community Portfolio, go to www.jlaustin.org and the Community Placement Portfolio will be on your Personal Reminder page. The portfolio will be available beginning at 8:00 a.m. on March 22, 2010 through April 11, 2010 at 11:59 p.m.

Please review the placement possibilities carefully and take into consideration your personal and professional time obligations, as well as, any other volunteer commitments you may have next year. Please review the details of each placement to make sure you understand the requirements of the placements you choose.

Just a reminder, the Placement process is not a first come, first served process and you may not receive your first choice. As you are making your selections make sure that you are willing to not only fulfill your first choice, but your second, third and fourth choices, as well.

Join us for the Placement Fair on April 8 at The Domain from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and on April 9 at Barton Creek Mall from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please join us to meet the agency representatives who can answer any questions you may have about the projects and their placements.

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Kids Giving Back:Members’ Children Can Now Get Involved

By Mandy Niles

The Junior League of Austin (JLA) is always growing and trying new things…we’ve gotten FIT and now we’re getting family-friendly, too! In 2007, we first invited League Members to bring their children to a sorting night for Coats for Kids and the response was overwhelming. Over 100 children came and experienced the joy in the work that provides warmth to other kids. And they were able to do it, hand in hand, with a parent. When we offered that same opportunity again in 2008, the number of young volunteers grew significantly. This year, over 700 children volun-teered…and a new pilot program for the spring was formed – “Kids Giving Back” – chaired by Suzannah Gravatt and

a committee of five other League members.

The core tenets of the program were easy to define: the program should not only engage kids in community service, but in JLA service; the events should be held at the JLA Headquarters; and the work should benefit a JLA agency. The desired outcome? Help kids to see the many faces of community service; those receiving, those giving, and the role that they can play alongside their parents by participating. Each event is designed to include a contribution or donation aspect, an infor-mational aspect, an activity, and most importantly, FUN through food, music and entertainment. Siblings and dads are welcome for all events.

Three events are planned for the spring to explore this concept. Different days, times, age groups and types of

activities will be offered so that the JLA can create a program that maximizes the benefit to the agencies and the volunteers. * The program kicked off on Thursday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m. for kids in fourth through eighth grade. Cari-tas benefitted from their work assembling hygiene kits, and the volunteers enjoyed pizza, music and an evening of service with their families. * The next event is scheduled for Sunday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m. for kids in kindergarten through third grade. Mobile Loaves & Fishes is the selected agency to benefit from an event centered on baked goods. The volunteers will again be treated to good food and games. * The last event is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 at 9:00 a.m. for preschool aged children. A new agency to the JLA, Family Connections, will benefit from a book drive and the volunteers will enjoy story time and snacks.

We hope this program will enhance the membership experience for all of our members with children. We also hope that the JLA will be another force in exposing children to the value of community service. Through the Kids Giving Back program, Junior League members will be able to communicate the concepts of giving and serving to our children. These events will provide members an oppor-tunity to raise a child who gives, shares and cares. Your feedback and participation will be so important as we put together this new program that strives to be a worthy recipient of your time with your children, and a significant aid to the community.

Reading Time at The League! (back row l to r:) Olivia; Rylan (mom, Debbie Lo-pez); Grace (mom, Heather Gossard); Rowan (mom, Debbie Lopez); (front l to r: ) Daniel and Nathan (mom, Melissa Blue); and Henry (mom, Susie Gravette).

Baking at The League!

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The Wonderful World of Westcave Preserve

By Krystin Johnson

He’s a rebel - the James Dean of bats. In Austin, we tend to think of bats as sociable creatures, living in colonies so enormous they virtually explode from their bridge homes like confetti against the twilit sky. But like so much else at Westcave Preserve, a 30-acre nature preserve and nationally renowned education center/solar observatory 40 miles west of downtown, this bat is unique. In the winter months, he is the sole bat inhabitant of his cave, a sort of celebrity to the Westcave Preserve staff and the University of Texas researchers who study his home. “We believe it’s a Cave Myotis Bat,” says Westcave Preserve Administrative Coordinator Jody Karr-Silaski. “Unlike the more common Mexican Free-tailed Bat, the Cave Myotis prefers a smoother cave ceil-ing.” His is one of many stories set in this precious gem of the Texas Hill Country.

Westcave Preserve is uniquely situated at the crossroads of two distinct ecosystems, providing Austin-area students and other visitors with the opportunity to observe not only the grassland flora, but also caves, a magnificent fern-laden grotto, and a forty-foot waterfall emptying into a pool. The Preserve is as rich in history as it is in flora and fauna. The Preserve’s oldest cypress tree, for example, is 600 years old, indicating that the stream nurturing the cypress has never stopped running in all of that time. There is also the story about the goldfish - an invasive, yet tenacious, species which washed downstream from a neighbor’s koi pond during the 2007 flooding into the Preserve’s pool. Having no natural predators, they have thrived in their expanded living quarters, to the dismay of Westcave staffers.

Until purchased by John Covert Watson in 1976, the area had been severely damaged by hikers and campers. Subsequent res-toration efforts have returned the Preserve to its pristine state. It is currently operated as both a conservation and educational facility, providing Austinites with opportunities for active engagement with nature.

“Our role is to connect children and their families to nature so that they might develop a lifelong practice of enjoying the natu-ral world.” Ms. Karr-Silaski states. “Westcave manages visitation in a way that has allowed for substantial restoration of vegeta-tion and cave formations, illustrating the amazing transformation that can occur on any piece of Hill Country land with good natural resource stewardship.”

Jake Wescoat, a third-grader at Forest Trail Elementary School, is one of the many beneficiaries of Westcave Preserve’s com-mitment. Several months after his class’ field trip, he still speaks expertly about stalactites, stalagmites, and human activities which can damage cave health. When asked about the importance of visiting Westcave Preserve, he replies with great solemnity, “It teaches you about the water cycle, and that’s important.”

In 2009, The Junior League of Austin established a partner-ship with Westcave Preserve. Under the leadership of JLA’s Lacy Sawyer, seven JLA volunteers are currently assisting with a variety of activities at Westcave Preserve, including the Hal-loween “Spook-tacular Creatures” program which educates students about spiders, bats, and owls through games and craft activities. Many volunteers have undergone training which allows them to work with middle school students con-ducting field testing in soil morphology, hydrology, botany, and zoology. JLA has also provided Westcave Preserve with a stipend for purchasing new light meters, wind meters, and backpacks for school groups. Lacy Sawyer, who smiles beau-tifically when speaking of the waterfall and surrounding ferns, views the Preserve as a priceless resource. “It’s uniquely Texan. All plants and animals are native. It’s a wonderful place for young people, particularly those who live in the city and don’t know what nature looks and sounds like,” said Sawyer. The Preserve, for its part, seems equally enthusiastic about the JLA volunteers. “This has been one of the best volunteer partnerships we’ve experienced,” said Ms. Karr-Silaski. “The JLA volunteers have been fantastic - reliable, enthusiastic, and excited about learning.”

JLA’s involvement could not have come at a better time. “The challenges of rapid growth and development make Westcave’s message of conservation and environmental education even more urgent.” said Ms. Karr-Silaski. Those interested in exploring volunteer opportunities with Westcave Preserve should direct emails to info@westcave.org or call 830-825-3442.

Westcave Preserve Committee members get an introductory tour of the Pre-serve with Jody Karr-Silaski (Westcave’s Administrative Coordinator). From l to r: Jody Karr-Silaski (Westcave’s Administrative Coordinator), Daphne Cord-er, Tyler and Juli Ott and Lacy Sawyer.

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What’s Happening at Our Projects?

Theatre Action ProjectPuppet Shows and More - March 7, 2010 at the Zilker Kite FestivalPre-Show Activities before The Biscuit Brothers Live! - April 25, 2010, 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Paramount TheatreSupport Theatre Action Project by attending its fun-packed events in conjunction with both the Zilker Kite Festival and the Paramount Theatre’s presentation of The Biscuit Brothers Live! Theatre Action Project is a team of professionally trained artists and educators working in partnership with schools and communities to lead unique and engaging arts programs that allow young people to learn critical life skills, gain tools for creative expression and have successful experiences that build self-es-teem and confidence. For more information about these events or Theatre Action project, visit www.theatreactionproject.org.

Partnerships for Children Gala“An Evening for Children” - April 10, 2010 at Cover 3To kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month, Partnerships for Children is hosting their gala, “An Evening for Children”. This event raises funds so that Partnerships for Children may fulfill its mission to give a hand to children and to those who protect them. Partnerships for Children aids Child Protective Services and its caseworkers by providing things for children removed from their homes – pajamas, a toothbrush, clothing, and teddy bears are just a few examples. For more information about “An Evening for Children” and Partnerships for Children, please contact Deborah Risovi at 512-834-3102 or deborah@partnershipsforchildren.org.

R.O.C.K. – Ride on Center for KidsBarn Dance - April 10, 2010 at R.O.C.K.Rodeo Week - April 13 through April 16, 2010 at R.O.C.K.Open House - April 17, 2010 in the Merlin Hoppe Arena at R.O.C.K.Join R.O.C.K. at its annual Barn Dance, Rodeo Week and Open House as it celebrates the service it has provided to not only its students, ranging from ages two to 82, but also to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan through its Horses for Heroes program. The theme for this year’s week-long celebration is “A Hero’s Welcome,” and it honors the veterans with whom R.O.C.K. works. The week kicks off with the Barn Dance, a boots-and-jeans attire dance featuring multiple Grammy Award winning country and western swing band Asleep at the Wheel. Rodeo Week follows the Barn Dance. It provides multiple opportuni-ties for the students and horses to demonstrate their skills and allows R.O.C.K to present awards to children and adults for jobs well done. The R.O.C.K. Open House rounds out the week and features something for everyone, including carnival games, train rides, a cake walk, a rock-climbing wall, delicious lunch selections, and non-stop entertainment. For more information, visit www.rockride-org.doodlekit.com/home.

1. How many hours of service are members of the JLA required to complete each year?a) 30-70b) 70-100c) 100-130

2. Where was A Christmas Affair held this year?a) Palmer Event Centerb) JLA Headquartersc) The Long Center

3. In what year did the JLA begin the FIT Program?a) 2008b) 2009c) 2007

4. How much will the JLA give back to the Austin commu-nity in 2009-2010?a) $1 millionb) $1.16 millionc) $1.5 million

5. Who of the following is a former member of the JLA?a) Barbara Bushb) Anita Perryc) Laura Bush

6. Name the theme for A Christmas Affair this year?a) Noël de Parisb) It’s A Wild Holidayc) Winter Wonderland

7. How many General Meetings (GM), Member Events (ME), ACA shift does an Active have to complete each year?a) GM: 3 ME: 3 ACA shift: 2 hoursb) GM: 2 ME: 2 ACA shift: 4-5 hoursc) GM: 4 ME: 2 ACA shift: 3 hours

8. In what year did The Junior League of Austin start?a) February 9, 1933b) February 9, 1934c) February 9, 1937 Answers located on page 10

The Junior League of Austin Trivia Game

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Did you Know?

Answers to JLA Trivia!1) b; 2) a; 3) b; 4) b;5) c; 6) b; 7) b; 8) b

Nancy Wade, Sustainer

Current Placement: Sustaining Advisor to the Finance Committee

Education/Occupation: BA in Psychology, Agnes Scott College Graduate Work in Human Resource Development, UT Austin Parish Administrator, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd

Family: Louis- Husband of 46 yrs Children: Jeffrey Wade and Laurie Wade Ellis; daughter-in-law Cindy Wade; son-in-law Tres Ellis; Four Grandchildren: Andrew and Jack Wade, Megan and Emily Ellis

Community Activities: Diocesan Finance Committee, Settlement Club Board Member, Book Club, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church volunteer

I wish I knew how to: Speak fluent Spanish

If I could, I would: Spend lots of time reading

When I look in the mirror: I’m beginning to see my mother!

One thing people don’t know about me: I’m a beach lover

Favorite JLA placement: The first A Christmas AffairCommittee and Corresponding Secretary

Favorite JLA memory or experience: Seeing the first A Christmas Affairat the Driskill take shape.

Spotlights

Tina McCutchin, Active

Current Placement: A Christmas Affair Family: Husband Brent, children Maddy (7), Ella (5), and Luke (3)

Community Activities: Tarrytown United Methodist Church, Elizabeth Ann Seton Board, Casis Elementary

If I could, I would: Skydive

My favorite movie is: Grease

My favorite junk food is: French Fries

I’m tired of: T-shirts

When I look in the mirror, I see: I see wrinkles and a happy mother

Favorite JLA memory or experience: ACA trip to Carmel

You wish someone had told you earlier: You can not do it all.

What experience has changed you most: Living in New York City during 9/11

What possession are you attached to: Leopard-print shoes

One thing people wouldn’t know about you: I like to snowboard and wake surf

Favorite JLA placement: A Christmas Affair

Grace Allen, Transfer

Current Placement: Make A Wish Foundation “Wish Granter”

Transferred From: JLW (Washington DC)

Education/Occupation: BA in Communications- UT Austin; MA in Women’s Studies- GWU/Corporate Event PlannerPets: Lolita, long-haired Chihuahua

I wish I knew how to: Snowboard

Favorite thing about Austin: Everything!

My favorite quote: “The average human being thinks that happiness lies in stability, in tying up all the loose ends and having things under control. But actually, happiness lies in being able to relax with our true condition, which is basically fleeting, dynamic, fluid, not in any way solid, not in any way permanent. It’s transient by nature.”- Pena Chodron

My favorite movie is: Love Actually

My favorite junk food is: Buffalo Wings

I’m tired of: People complaining and not doing anything about it.

What experience has changed you most: Traveling and living in DC

Favorite JLA memory or experience: Meeting so many fabulous women who I never would have met otherwise.

What possession are you attached to: My MINI Cooper - Bright red convertible with racing stripes!

Americans use about 300 billion plastic bags a year. Save money and reduce waste! Switch to reusable containers when packing your lunch.

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Courtney Alexis Sanchez, Provisional

Occupation: Lobbyist; Executive Director of JONAH Ministry; Professional Singer

Family: Husband, Paul; Daughter Kendall (11) and Son Brendan (9)

Pets: Mini pin, Cocabutta Sanchez

Community Activities: Board of Trustees, SafePlace Austin; Mentor, I Live Here, I Give Here

I wish I knew how to: Run a marathon

If I could, I would: Be everything to everybody

I regret: Nothing. I feel like everything that lead up to this moment had purpose and reason.

My favorite book is: The Well-Trended Woman

My life philosophy on a bumper sticker: You are the change you wish to see in the world

The possession I’m attached to: My cell phone (unfortunately)

When I look in the mirror, I see: A woman who has many blessings and a very full life

Three accomplishments I am proud of: My trust in God, my marriage and my children

One thing people don’t know about me: I have three kidneys and also lost some of my baby teeth three times!

The best lesson I’ve learned from my JLA experiences is: A lot can be accomplished with a little and when a little is all you have, it’s always enough

My advice to the provisional class would be: Stay organized!

Spotlights

Susan Gordon, Active

Current Placement: Special Events

Education/Occupation: Texas A&M, Industrial Distribution/OEM Account Executive at Dell

Family: Husband, Rob

Pets: 2 dogs, Lola and Zuzu; 2 cats, Norm and Mabel

Community Activities: UT Chi Omega Advisor, Capital City A&M Club

I regret: Not being able to find a dance studio which caters to 30-somethings who still love to dance!

Favorite thing about Austin: It’s so wonderful for all ages - it has drawn my entire family to move here!

My favorite book is: Where’s Susie (My grandmother and mom read it to me as a child)

My favorite movie is: Singin’ In the Rain

My life philosophy on a bumper sticker: Pay more attention to people’s actions than their words.

I’m tired of: Laundry!

When I look in the mirror, I see: Kind eyes and laugh lines

Favorite JLA Placement: Meals on Wheels - Groceries To Go (My 87 year-old couple was so gracious)

My advice to the provisional class would be: Utilize Junior League as a safe place to try new things and leave your comfort zone.

EmilyAnne Skinner, Provisional

Occupation: Special Gifts Officer at The University of Texas

Community Activities: Charity Bash, LEAP, Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo, MHMR Foundation, The People Fund

I wish I knew how to: Speak Spanish fluently

I regret: Not getting my masters degree

If I could, I would: Use all my money to travel around the world

Favorite thing about Austin: The people, the lake, UT, the weather...too many to choose just one!

My favorite quote: “Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes” -Oscar Wilde

My life philopshy on a bumper sticker: Do something everyday that makes you happy.

My favorite movie is: Great Expectations

My favorite junk food is: Goldfish

I’m tired of: People calling me “Emily”

My worst habit: Cracking my knuckles

One thing people don’t know about me: I was once a ballerina for Ballet Austin

What possession are you attached to: The teddy bear I’ve had since childhood, my UT class ring and a ring that was left to me by my grandmother.

The experience that has changed me the most: Moving across the country and being on my own in an unfamiliar place.

When I look in the mirror, I see: Someone who’s not afraid to take risks.

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Loo

RECIPE FOR GREAT GIFT GIVING

To order: jlaustin.org or 467-8982

1 copy of Austin Entertainsor1 copy of Necessities & Temptations *

*Mentioned titles can be substituted for any of the SWAP books from other Leagues

Gently combine book(s) with wrapping paper or top with one ofthe many add ons available.

Graciously present book(s) to a Mom for Mother’s Day, a Bride, or tothank a Hostess.

Cooks on Call!

Do you enjoy cooking? We need your help! If

you can make one easy recipe a few times a year

that we can use at events in the

community, contact Cari at 968-5172 or

chronert22@yahoo.com

The Junior League of Austin will strengthen our community through creative solutions to current and future challenges.

Where are we going ...

The Junior League of Austin is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Who we are ...

LeagueLines

Have You Paid Your JLA Dues Yet?

You have until April 1, 2010 before a late fee is incurred.

Pay your dues ONLINE now! Go to www.jlaustin.org to the “Member Login”

section where you will find your dues state-ment. Paying online is quick and easy!

Actives = $200Sustainers (ages 40-64) = $100Sustainers (ages 65-79) = $85

Thank you for paying your dues online and on time!

Please call 467-8982 if you have questions or if you do not have a user name or password.